Enjoying Hospitali-Tea

Planning an Afternoon Tea

Posted on June 13, 2020 by Penelope

Start by setting a date and time for your tea. Afternoons about 3 o’clock are the best, but that doesn’t always fit with everyone’s schedule. Allow two hours for sharing the time with friends. Encourage everyone to dress up–even hats and gloves are fun.
Send invitations about two weeks before your tea time. This will give you time to plan the menu, shop, bake, and prepare for a very special time. It also gives your friends the time to plan for a babysitter or buy a dress or whatever. Your invitations can be purchased from a local stationery store, online, or make your own. I love to find printable wedding invitations at the thrift store and then print them on my computer. These are the Items that need to be Included In your Invitation:
Where:
When:
Time:
Occasion: (Birthday, shower, just because)
Phone number, text and email:
Address:
Dress:
R.S.V.P. by a certain date (usually four days before your tea)
Give them as many ways to contact you as possible, as people have a tendency to forget to let you know; then it is always a little embarrassing to have to call them!
Plan your menu and shop. An afternoon tea (or low tea, not to be confused with a high tea) will have three courses: tea sandwiches, scones with jam and clotted cream, and sweets. Perishable items will need to be picked up a day or two before the party. A cream tea is always a quick tea party idea with scones, served with jam and clotted cream, and a pot of tea.
Inventory your teacups, dishes, and table linens and have them freshly washed and ironed. If you have silver items, make sure they are polished and shining.
Prepare as much of the menu before the day of the tea. Have fresh flowers for the table.
Set the table the night before, arrange the serving platters and cake stands on the table.
On the day of the tea, prepare remaining food items, put fresh cold water into the tea kettle and enjoy.

For more tips on planning your tea, buy Penelope’s book, Tea on the Titanic. Copies are available on Amazon.
tott-cover

Posted in Titanic | Comments Off

Ten Ways to Reuse Teabags

Posted on July 16, 2019 by Penelope

Make a second cup of tea. If you do want to try and get a second cup of tea from your used teabag, just remember that your tea will not be as flavorful or as strong.
Add some flavor to your cooking…add the teabag to the boiling water when making rice, pasta, or boiled eggs.
Give an antique look to dingy tea-shirts or other cotton items. Add a few tea bags to hot water and soak piece.
Use as a hair conditioner. Make a brew, let it cool and apply to freshly shampooed hair.
Rub a damp teabag over a sunburn…it really takes away the sting.
Stinky Shoes – dry the teabags, then place them in your shoes to get rid of foot odors.
Feed your flowers. Open the used teabag and sprinkle around the base of your plants, especially rose bushes.
Get rid of extra cooked on grime…place teabags in your pans and soak for a few hours or overnight.
Reduce eye puffiness. Place damp tea bags over your eyes and see the swelling almost disappear in about 15 to 20 minutes.
Bee stings or mosquito bites are helped when you place damp tea bags over the site. The antioxidants help with the inflammation.

Posted in Afternoon Tea, Books, Tea | Tagged reuse teabag, tea bag | Comments Off

Calling Downton Abbey Fans

Posted on March 20, 2016 by Penelope

Keep Downton Abbey Alive!

We will all miss the weekly drama that has been part of our homes on Sunday evenings.
It’s hard to imagine that six years of being part of the Crawley family is coming to an end.
BUT…you can keep it alive!

My new book, The Art of Afternoon Tea: From the Era of Downton Abbey and the Titanic will fill in the gaps! Almost a hundred gourmet recipes to inspire your own Afternoon Tea or Downton Abbey event with the blending of another Edwardian event…a peek at history from First Class to Steerage on the Titanic. Personalized and autographed copies ($16.95) available at my web site: www.PenelopesTeaTime.com

Join us for a Downton Abbey Tea in April!

April 7th @ 1:30 pm
Thompson House Inn
537 Terry St, Longmont, CO 80502
Phone 303-651-1121 for reservations
$20 per person
Door prizes!

Share a Downton Abbey Tea with your friends to commemorate the popular series.
Enjoy the wonderful Victorian Inn and the delightful innkeeper for teal
Dress in your period-themed finery and hats.
I will be sharing from my new book and having a book signing.
See you for tea!

Cranberry Scones with Buttermilk Glaze

Enjoy this wonderful recipe from my new book. My dear friend, Terri shared this with me.
I know you will find them delightful with a cup of tea!

3 cups all purpose flour
1/3 cup sugar
2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
¼ cup butter
1 cup buttermilk
¼ cup dried cranberries

Glaze
1 tablespoon heavy whipping cream
½ teaspoon cinnamon
2 Tablespoons sugar

Preheat oven to 425º F
Do not grease cookie sheet

Combine flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt in a large mixing bowl.
Use a whisk or fork to mix well.
Cut the butter into the flour mixture using a pastry blender until the mixture looks like coarse breadcrumbs.
Add the buttermilk and dried cranberries, mix until the dry ingredients are mixed.
Shape the dough into a ball and press it together until it holds together.
Place the ball onto a lightly floured surface and knead about 10 to 12 times, then pat into a circle about ½ inch thick.
Mis the glaze ingredients together and blend.
Brush the glaze mixture on top of the dough.
Cut the dough circle into 16 to 18 pie-shaped pieces, or scones.
Bake for 12 to 14 minutes until the tops are browned.
Serve with jam and clotted cream.

Tea Tips

Tea Storage

1. Keep tea away from light, which will decompose the tea; moisture, which will make the tea moldy; and extreme cold or heat, which will make the leaves brittle. Keep your tea in a tight-fitting tin or glass container away from light and heat. Tea will keep for up to two years (or even more if stored properly.)
2. Never use milk and lemon together. The milk will curdle from the citric acid in the lemon.

Tea for your Health

Drinking two cups of tea per day can cut your risk of a heart attack by nearly half. In a *5-year study with 1063 women, participants with a high flavonoid intake were at lower risk of mortality from Cardiovascular disease and cancer, than those with a low flavonoid intake. Tea is a major source of flavonoids. Britain’s favorite beverage is good for our health and wellbeing, as well as keeping our hydration levels up.
*Flavonoid Intake and All-Cause Mortality (American Journal of Nutrition 2015)

News on the new Titanic II

A spokesman for Australian billionaire Clive Palmer said his project to build a virtually identical Titanic has been delayed. The new ship will be launched in 2018, two years later than originally planned. The ship will be a little wider in order to meet modern maritime safety regulations. Other additions will be digital navigation, radar systems and of course modern evacuation procedures…more lifeboats. It will accommodate 2,400 passengers and 900 crew members. It’s maiden voyage will be from China to Dubai, not from Southampton to New York, as the original Titanic. Many people have inquired as to the cost, but no ticket prices have been released yet. I am hoping that I can be aboard to serve afternoon tea! More information on this endeavor can be found at : BelfastTelegraph.co.uk.

All my books are available at my web site: www.PenelopesTeaTime.com
Quality Whittard Teas and Tea Accessories available at: www.AnniesTeaTime.com

I would love to speak for your organization, club or church: Send Email
No matter who is president, Jesus is King!

Posted in Downton Abby, Recipes, Scones, Titanic, Writing | Tagged Downton abbey, scones, tea, tea health, tea tips, Thompson House Inn, titanic, titanic II | 1 Comment

International Titanic Month

Posted on April 8, 2015 by Penelope

Drawing by Amanda Carlevato in First Class Etiquette

International Titanic Month

April is the time to remember all those who were on the Titanic by telling their story. It has been my honor to spend the past week at the Titanic Museum in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, where thousand of stories and artifacts greet guests from all over the world on this 103rd Anniversary. Several events, to celebrate one of the most famous survivors, Molly Brown, are happening in Denver, Colorado.

~ EVENTS ~

Sunday, April 12th, at 4:00 pm – a wonderful Champagne Tea at the House of Commons Tearoom in historic downtown Denver. I am honored to be part of the activities, plus some personal words of greeting from Molly’s great-granddaughter, Helen. Don’t delay on making your reservation today. Limited setting. Arrive in your Titanic/Downton Abbey inspired clothing as we dine on petit tea sandwiches, scones, and delicious cakes, plus champagne, while learning more about this Denver icon!
Reservations: 303-455-4832 $40. 2401 15th Street, Denver

Saturday, April 25th, 12:00 to 3:00 pm
Book Signing at the Molly Brown House ~ 1340 Pennsylvania Street, Denver
I will be in the Carriage House Visitor’s Center to greet you. If you have never been through the Molly Brown House, stay for a tour! Tours are every 30 minutes.

**I met so many wonderful children this past week who have an interest in history from the Titanic and Downton Abbey era…it was fun to hear why and how they are studying that time period. An observation I made during my visits with these young people is that they are on the whole very polite, engaging, and interested children. I am wondering if this has been one of the benefits of studying the history of a by-gone era?

Saturday, April 18th 2:00 to 4:00 pm
Children’s Etiquette Class and Tea
Foothills Green Gallery, 5500 South Sims, Littleton, CO.
A very fun and interactive class that will give your children important life skills. Now, more than ever, our young generation want to know what is expected of them. This class will combine social manners in a variety of settings and will include dining etiquette as well. Introductory price of $35 and 10% discount on First-Class Etiquette book. For reservations, please call: 720-877-1821 or 720-878-8230

~ Tea Time Recipes ~

Cotswold Cheddar Cheese Sandwiches

Over the years I have been to numerous teas and given as many, but I am always excited to try new recipes for all three courses of an afternoon tea. The sweets have been divine at so many teas, but this savory tea sandwich was very different and delicious. I was given the recipe from the docents at an afternoon tea I attended many years ago at the historic Mabry Hazen House, circa 1859, in Knoxville, Tennessee. My friends and I had afternoon tea on a lovely front porch in the sunshine of a beautiful autumn day. I think you might like to try this recipe at your next tea party. (The Cotswolds is a lovely area in the southwest of England, characterized by small towns and villages built of a light yellow Cotswold limestone. Not far from my birthplace in Oxfordshire and boasts many delightful tea rooms!)

1 cup Sharp Cheddar Cheese, shredded
½ cup mayonnaise
1/3 cup chopped pecans
1 Tablespoon finely chopped onion
4 Strips Well-cooked Bacon, crumbled and drained.

8 slices Whole-Wheat Bread

Combine all ingredients and refrigerate for one hour. Butter the bread and divide the cheese mixture between four slices of bread. Cut off crusts and cut into four quarters. Makes 16-quarter sandwiches.

Tip: Freeze the bread before making the sandwiches as this makes it easier to cut and less chance of tearing the bread. Refrigerate and cover the sandwiches with a damp paper towel to keep moist before serving.

~ Drink Tea for your Health ~

Last week I was honored to be the guest blogger for Janet Thompson’s weekly Love your Body.

To read this blog – here is the link:

love-your-body-drink-tea-for-your-health

Tea on the Titanic

Do you know? – How many times a day did the ladies on The Titanic in 1st and 2nd class change clothes? Take a guess and leave your answer in the comment section.

Posted in Books, Recipes, Tea, Titanic | Tagged afternoon tea, book signing, champagne tea, cheddar cheese, classes for children, cotswold, Denver, Downton abbey, etiquette classes, first-class, manners and etiquette, Molly Brown, Molly Brown House, sandwich, scones, tea and health, tea party, tisanes, Titanic Anniversary | 3 Comments

A ‘Wee Bit’ of a Downton Abbey Tea

Posted on March 12, 2015 by Penelope

Boo Hoo…What are we going to do without Downton Abbey?

It’s a long wait for season 6, but in the meantime, let’s celebrate St. Patrick’s Day
with a “wee bit” of an Irish Downton Abbey Tea…after all, it might just be the last tea party we can have with the Irishman Mr. Tom Branson and Miss Sybbie. Do you think they will really go to America?

Happy Valentines

Posted on February 4, 2015 by Penelope

Happy Valentines

Thank you for your support and keeping up with me on Facebook, emails and phone calls. Glad you are enjoying the little blogs every so often and also for purchasing my books for yourself or gifts. If you don’t have the new book that my granddaughter Amanda illustrated, First Class Etiquette, I would love to personalize the book when you order from my web site (PenelopesTeaTime) or you can purchase an unsigned copy from (Amazon or Barnes and Noble)

FREE BOOKS

Win a free book this week…just in time for Valentines Day. Buzzing About Books has a lovely review on my two books this week! A Giveaway copy of each book ~
Two books ~ Two Winners!
Hurry – Ends Monday February 9th at 11:59 CST
(Link to Buzzing)

Save the Date!!!

Some fun events coming up –

Saturday March 14th 11:00 am to 3:00 pm
Book Launch of First Class Etiquette and book signing
Foothills Green Gallery
5500 S. Simms, Littleton, Colo
Join us for tea and treats!

Sunday, April 12th 4:00pm
Molly Brown on the Titanic Tea
Enjoy a lovely Champagne Afternoon Tea
$40.00
House of Commons Tea Room
2401 15th Street,
Denver, Colo 80202
Reservations : 303-456-4832
Special Guest Helen Benziger (Great-Granddaughter of Molly Brown)
and Penelope Carlevato

Recipes

My granddaughter Nicole sent me this great recipe for truffles…I made them for a recent tea and they are sooooo good. Let me know what you think!

Cookie Dough Truffles

1/3 cup butter, softened
1/3 cup brown sugar
2 tsp vanilla
1 cup flour
1 cup chocolate chips ~ milk chocolate, white chocolate, or butterscotch) (I used mini chocolate chips)

¾ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips to dip truffles into

*Garnishes if desired – chopped pretzels, chopped nuts, chopped peppermint candy, sea salt, or chocolate sprinkles

Mix together butter, sugar and vanilla. Add flour – ½ cup at a time and mix until it is just combined with the butter mixture. Stir in the chocolate chips and roll into one inch balls. Place on a wax-paper lined cookie sheet. Place in freezer for 20 to 30 minutes.

After the dough has become firm, melt the semi-sweet choc chips in the microwave. Dip the cookie dough balls into the chocolate with a fork or skewer and tap off the excess chocolate. Put the chocolate balls back onto the wax paper and sprinkle with one of the *garnishes. Place back into the freezer until the chocolate is hard. Store in covered container in the refrigerator. Serve in little festive mini cupcake cups.

Tea Tips from Penelope
“Teapots”

1) To prevent your teapot from smelling musty when not in use, leave the lid off and place a sugar cube in the bottom.
2) Never use your teapot for other uses than tea. If cracked and not usable, place a glass inside the teapot and use for a vase.
3) To clean your teapot, simply rinse with hot water. Soap may leave a film that will change and maybe even spoil your next pot of tea.
4) What is the best teapot to brew your tea? Pottery, porcelain, bone china, ceramic, and glass are good choices. Although a silver teapot looks lovely, just serve it in that and don’t brew the tea in the silver teapot.

Facts about the Titanic you might not know.

1) With more than 700 passengers in Third Class (Steerage), there were only 2 bathtubs! Well, most of them didn’t have bathtubs at home and usually washed up in their sinks…and they usually didn’t bathe often. So, my guess is that they all had baths before they came on board!
2) The captain of the ship, Edward Smith, had over 43 years of experience at sea and had been with the White Star Line for 32 years. He was planning to retire when this crossing was completed.
3) There were 13 honeymoon couples who sailed on the Titanic.
4) Eight hundred pounds of tea was taken on board the Titanic in Southampton. That is enough for 160,000 cups of tea.

We had a wonderful tea party for our granddaughter using the recipes and ideas from the new book – First Class Etiquette!

Until we tea again…

Posted in Books, Event Updates, Recipes, Titanic | Tagged American Girl Doll, etiquette, first class etiquette, giveaway, manners, Penelope Carlevato, tea, tea on the titanic, tea time | 1 Comment

Molly Brown Champagne Tea

Posted on September 9, 2014 by Penelope

Happy Fall Y’All

Sorry, just had to say that after living in the South for 6 years (Knoxville).

Molly Brown Champagne Tea – Saturday, September 20th

4:30 to 6:30 pm
$35/per person

The House of Commons ~

2401 15th Street, Denver, CO 80203
Call for reservations ~ 303-455-4832

If you are in the Denver area, you won’t want to miss this Molly Brown Champagne Tea. I will have the special honor of sharing the “stage” with Molly’s great granddaughter, Helen Benziger. We will be talking about Mrs. Brown’s life from various perspectives. Plus, the fabulous tea from The House of Commons. It will be a great time for all and hope you can attend.

The tea is in celebration of a brand new play about Molly Brown opening at the Stage Theatre at the Denver Performing Arts, September 12th thru October 26th. New songs enhance this remake of the 1960’s musical that tells the story of Colorado’s own heroine, Molly Brown. She was a survivor of the Silver Boom, the Gold Rush, and also the sinking of the Titanic. She is featured in a chapter in my book, Tea on the Titanic. (Available on my web site: TeaOnTheTitanic.com)

WE are having hot, summer weather here in Colorado…mid 90’s, so it is a little difficult to
imagine fall sweaters, jackets and scarfs. However, my husband and I just went on an Alaskan
cruise and it was fall weather there. We, luckily, took layers, scarves and even hats as there were some cool days on the ship. Rain, too! And, sorry to say, did not have tea anywhere…nope, not a tearoom in sight! But, one afternoon on the ship, when it was raining, I went to the aft of the ship where some of the resturants were to get a cup of tea. Much to my surprise, I found freshly baked scones, with clotted cream and yummy strawberry jam. I only did this two afternoons, as I just had room for so much food, then that is it! But, it was a lovely cruise with magnificent scenery and also experienced my first Fjord and first glacier. Met some great people from all over the globe and yes, someone actually got back to the ship late at one of our ports, and we left without her!!! She will have quite the story to tell when she gets home. (She caught up with us and flew to the next port in a sea-plane and had to slide down the wings to get off!)

Here is a wonderful scone recipe that I was asked to contribute to Focus on the Family’s Club House Magazine. It’s easy enough for you to bake just before the kids come home from school, and they might just like to help, too.

Super Scones

2 cups flour
2 tsp sugar
1 tsp cream of tartar
1 tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt
½ cup butter, softened a little
¾ cup orange juice
¼ cup dried cranberries

Cut in butter and stir in orange juice and cranberries. (The less you handle the dough, the fluffier your scones will be.)
Divide dough into two halves. Pat each section into a circle ¾ inch thick. Cut into triangles using a floured knife. Place on ungreased cookie sheet.
Bake 12 to 15 minutes at 400° F until golden.
Serve warm with jam and Devonshire cream.
Sift together the dry ingredients.

After School Tea Club

This month is the perfect time to start your After School Tea Club with your kids. As soon as they arrive home, put on the kettle, and dish out some healthy treats and plan on five to ten minutes of hearing about their day. It is the perfect time to “catch” them before homework, soccer practice and all the other activities after school. I have heard from many Moms that this has become a tradition at their home. Try this (fairly) healthy and fun snack with your kids…Toothy Apple Smiles. Wash and cut red apples into thin slices. Spread with your choice of nut “butters” (ones without sugar added) and add the little mini-marshmallows! Cute!!

New Book Coming Soon!

First-Class Etiquette
(from Titanic to today…manners matter)

First Class Etiquette covers proper table manners for home and restaurants, special manners at the tea table, and the necessary skills to host a good tea party. Topics ranging from table settings, tea party invitations, and hostess etiquette, this charming book, illustrated by my granddaughter Amanda, also offers recipes for popular tea party foods.

***If you would like to be notified of my new book’s release, please make sure you are signed up for my newsletter! And “Friend” me on Facebook.

Book Signing:
Titanic Museum, Pigeon Forge,TN
October 25th and 26th
10 am to 5 pm
Hope to see you there!

“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness” (Lamentations 3:22-24).

Posted in Event Updates, Recipes, Scones, Tea, Teacup, Titanic | Tagged after school, book signing, champagne tea, Etiquette Book, House of Commons, Molly Brown, Pigeon Forge, recipe, scones, tea, titanic, Titanic Museum | Comments Off

Happy St. Patrick’s Day

Posted on March 13, 2014 by Penelope

This is a wonderful day to celebrate with a tea party. It doesn’t have to be a formal get-together, but a gathering of friends to share a few Irish favorites and a nice pot of Irish Breakfast Tea.
This tea is brisk and flavorful, and is great with the addition of milk and maybe a “wee bit” of sugar.
Did you know the Irish drink more tea than the English? Hard to believe, but true. The UK Tea Council reports that while the English drink 3 to 4 cups of tea per day, the Irish are sipping 4 to 6! So, let’s join them and have a “cuppa tae”, and include some tasty Irish fare. (For good Irish Breakfast Tea, visit Annies Tea Time – available in teabags and loose leaf).

*Tea facts: Tea has half the amount of caffeine than coffee.
To reach the optimal health benefit of tea, drink 4 cups a day.
Tea is a natural source of polyphenols and flavonoids, which have antioxidant benefits.

Irish Shamrock Cucumber Sandwiches

1 English Hothouse cucumber sliced thin, drain on paper towels.
1/2 cup cream cheese (stir in ½ tsp horseradish if desired)
2 green spring onions
8 whole wheat bread slices

Cut each slice of bread into a shamrock pattern (if you have a shamrock cookie cutter, use for pattern)
Spread the bread with cream cheese mixture
Place a slice of cucumber on each shamrock leaf
Place a section of the green onion for the stem and top with a parsley leaf.
Serve open-faced.
Makes 8

To make ahead, gently cover with a damp paper towel and plastic wrap. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

*Irish Chocolate Cake…substitute Guinness Beer for the liquid in a Chocolate cake mix…top with cream cheese frosting! YUM!

Titanic Teas

So many new friends this year ~ thank you all for coming to a tea or book signing. It’s one of the many blessings that have come to me after writing the book. You have been enthusiastic, encouraging and you even dressed in fabulous Edwardian era costumes for the Titanic Teas! Thank you for your support and for giving me such fun memories.

Titanic Tea Tour

Our dates for the trip have been changed to September 26 to October 6th. With the same itinerary. I am excited to be able to share some delightful and breathtaking venues…and of course some very “proper” Afternoon Teas in Ireland, (at the foot of the Grand Staircase in Belfast) Wales and England. Join me for a fabulous trip of a life-time. To view the full itinerary and sign up for the trip, visit: Tenon Tours

Afternoon Tea Titanic Belfast

Events

Join me as I share from my book…Tea on the Titanic ~ for tea, brunch, book signings and fun in the next few weeks. *For a complete listing with contact information, visit Penelopes Tea Time
or Tea on the Titanic

March 18th… Brunch in Denver at Windsor Gardens Community Center

March 29th to April 5th…Titanic Museum in Pigeon Forge, TN…book signing at Author’s Week

April 5th…Maryville, TN, Blount County Republican Women’s Club…for a Fascinating Tea

April 8th…Lakewood, CO – Lakewood Heritage Society…Lunch

April 10th…Lakewood, CO – Corner Cupboard Tea Room…Titanic Tea

April 12th… Cherokee Castle and Ranch…Titanic Tea and Tour of the Castle

An Irish Blessing for you:

“May the road rise up to meet you
May the wind be always at your back
May the sun shine warm upon your face
And the rain fall soft upon your fields
And until we meet again
May God hold you in the palm of His hand.”

Mark your calendars: “Live” interview on Facebook with the Titanic Museum Attraction,
Tuesday, March 25th at 7 pm ET and 5 pm MT. Join us for some great conversation.

Until We Tea Again….Penelope
“The Lord make His face to shine upon you, and be gracious to you.” Numbers 6:25

Find us and Like us on Facebook…Penelope Carlevato

Posted in Event Updates, Recipes, Tea, Teacup, Teapot, Titanic | Tagged Blount Couny, Book Signings, Cherokee Castle, Pigeon Forge, Republican, Shamrock Cucumber Sandwiches, St. Patricks Day, tea party, tea tour, titanic | Comments Off

California Here I Come!

Posted on January 20, 2014 by Penelope

Would love to meet you at the book signing next Saturday, January 25th in Rolling Hills Estates, CA

It will be an open house at Annie’s Tea Time Warehouse
656 Silver Spur Road
Rolling Hills Estates, CA 90274

Stop by any time between 10:30 to 1:30 ~ sample teas and purchase your autographed copy of
Tea on the Titanic

Ireland, Wales and England…here we come!

Tea on the Titanic Tour
May 9th to 19th
Join me on this exciting Titanic tour through time. You’ll sample tea at premiere properties and enjoy 11 nights in Ireland, Wales & England. Our journey will take us to the place where the Titanic was built – Belfast, Northern Ireland, down the east coast of Ireland to the last port of call for Titanic – Cobh, and from Cobh we’ll take the ferry over to the UK to visit Wales, Southampton, and London.
Visit: for complete itinerary, pricing and reserve your place on this once-in-a-lifetime trip.

With Valentines Day approaching…what a lovely time to have a Cream Tea…

It is one of the most delightful ways to share tea with friends or your valentine! Just whip up a batch of scones, make some clotted cream, set the tea table with your best teacups and a bouquet of red roses…A Cream Tea!

This a a very tasty scone recipe and ever so easy…enjoy!

Cream Scones

Ingredients:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 Tab. sugar
2 ½ tsp. baking powder
¼ tsp. salt
¼ cup cold unsalted butter in small pieces
2 eggs
2/3 cup heavy whipping cream
1/3 cup dried currants or cranberries
1 Tab sugar

Jam and clotted cream for serving

Directions

Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

In a bowl, stir together the flour, baking powder and salt. Add the butter and using a pastry blender cut in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

In a small bowl, whisk together eggs and cream. Save 2 Tab of the egg mixture to brush onto scones before baking. Add egg and cream mixture to the flour and stir until a sticky dough forms. Quickly stir in the currants or cranberries just until evenly distributed.

Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured board. Knead gently until the dough holds together, about 6 to 7 times. The dough should be soft; do not over knead, or the scones will be tough. Divide into 2 equal portions and pat each portion into a round 1 inch thick and 6 inches in diameter. Cut each round into 4 equal wedges. Or use a heart-shaped cookie cutter. After making the hearts, gather up the remaining dough, gently re knead and then flatten and re cut until the dough is used.

Arrange the wedges or hearts, 2 inches apart, on the prepared sheet. Brush the wedges with the reserved egg mixture and sprinkle with sugar.

Bake until the scones are golden brown, about 15 minutes. Serve with jam and clotted cream.

Posted in Recipes, Scones, Tea, Writing | Tagged England, Ireland, Tea on the Titanic book, tea tour, Tea Trip, titanic, Wales | 4 Comments

Happy Thanksgiving

Posted on November 28, 2013 by Penelope

Wishing you all a very Happy Thanksgiving. I want to thank you for all your encouragement this past year. Thank you to each one of you who purchased my book, not only for yourself, but as gifts. I love to hear your comments, and it especially pleases me to hear that you have used many of the recipes for your teas. A big thank you also to all the merchants who faithfully have my book available for sale. Your friendship and encouragement mean so much.

Don’t miss Tea on The Titanic…Saturday, Nov 30th at Stonebrook Manor in Thornton…Call: 303-255-0063 Full afternoon tea and program.
Two seatings…11 am and 1 pm. Hope to see you Saturday.

Tea Tour – 2014

At last…the final plans for the 2014 Tea Tour are available.
We leave May 9th thru the 19th and will be visiting Ireland, Wales and England…like the name implies…
Tea and The Titanic…places that will be fun for all to see. For more information on the tour and the complete itinerary, go to: Tea on the Titanic Tour. You can call me or Casey at Tenon Tours if more details are needed. Casey – 855.468.3666 or myself – 303.498.9337. Hope you will come along and join us.

Tea with the Duchess
Several years ago, I met Sarah, the Duchess of York in Los Angeles at a book signing. She was such a joy to visit with and made me feel like she had all the time in the world. I wanted to know what her favorite tea was. She asked if she could write it down for me…”Of course,” I replied. She wrote it on page 189 in her book, Dining with the Duchess: Lapsang Souchang and Earl Grey mixed. She explained that is was equal parts of each tea. I have used this blend for many years and think you will like the unusual and delightful taste. I add milk and sugar!

Posted in Books, Tea, Writing | Tagged British Tours, Duchess of York, earl grey, England, Ireland, tea, tea tour, Titanic book, Wales | Comments Off

Planning an Afternoon Tea

Ten Ways to Reuse Teabags

Calling Downton Abbey Fans

International Titanic Month

A ‘Wee Bit’ of a Downton Abbey Tea

Happy Valentines

Molly Brown Champagne Tea

Happy St. Patrick’s Day

California Here I Come!

Happy Thanksgiving

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